AIDS 2026 Scholarship Guide | Apply for IAS HIV Conference in Brazil

The 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026), organized by the International AIDS Society (IAS), is the world’s largest HIV and global health event. Scheduled for 26–31 July 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, it brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, community activists, policymakers, students, and people living with HIV to advance the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

To ensure inclusive global participation, IAS offers the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme, supporting in-person and virtual attendance.

Quick Scholarship Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship Types	In-Person (Brazil) & Virtual Participation
Conference Registration	Full access to sessions, workshops, pre-conferences, and Global Village
Travel Support	Round-trip economy airfare (in-person only)
Accommodation	Single room hotel for the conference duration (in-person only)
Daily Allowance	Meals and local transport (in-person only)
Membership Benefits	Two years of free IAS membership
Priority Consideration	Early-career professionals, first-time attendees, abstract presenters, key populations, LMIC applicants
Application Timeline	Opens: 20 Nov 2025
Virtual Support	Free virtual registration with livestream access, workshops, pre-conferences, and e-posters

This table provides a snapshot of what the AIDS 2026 scholarship offers, helping applicants quickly understand the benefits.

Check: NED Reagan–Fascell Democracy Fellowship 2026

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the AIDS 2026 scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:

Age: Must be 18 years or older by 26 July 2026.
HIV Involvement: Must be actively working, volunteering, studying, or living with HIV.
Country Priority: Applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Pakistan, are prioritized.
First-Time Applicants: Preference is given to those who have never received an IAS scholarship.
Key Populations / People Living with HIV: Strong priority is given to these applicants.
Early-Career Professionals / Students: Priority for applicants under 35 years old.
Conference Contributions: Abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, and Global Village organizers are given priority.
Media Professionals: Journalists and communicators may apply under media scholarships.

Conclusion: Pakistani applicants are fully eligible and may qualify under multiple priority criteria.

How to Apply Successfully

To strengthen your scholarship application:

Motivation Statement
- Explain why attending AIDS 2026 is important to you and your community.
- Highlight your work in HIV prevention, treatment, care, research, or advocacy.
Letter of Recommendation
- Must be in English, on official letterhead, signed, and clearly supporting your application.
Proof of HIV Work
- Include research, volunteering, advocacy, clinical work, or lived experience.
Financial Need
- Be honest and realistic about the support you require.
Originality
- Plagiarism or AI-generated content is strictly disallowed.

Why the AIDS 2026 Scholarship Matters

The conference is a global platform for learning, networking, and leadership:

Access cutting-edge HIV research and innovations
Build international networks with experts and peers
Enhance professional skills and leadership
Amplify voices of underserved communities
Contribute to policy, advocacy, and HIV program improvements

For Pakistani applicants, this scholarship provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with the global HIV response and make a meaningful impact.

Final Thoughts

The AIDS 2026 Scholarship Programme is a transformative opportunity for students, early-career professionals, activists, and community workers from Pakistan and around the world. With full access to sessions, workshops, networking, and international recognition, this scholarship empowers recipients to make a tangible difference in the global HIV response.

Start preparing your application now to be ready when submissions open on 20 November 2025. Apply Now!